The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Viol \Vi"ol\, n. [F. viole; cf. Pr. viola, viula, Sp., Pg., &
   It. viola, LL. vitula; of uncertain origin; perhaps from L.
   vitulari to celebrate a festival, keep holiday, be joyful,
   perhaps originally, to sacrifice a calf (vitulus; cf.
   Veal). Cf. Fiddle, Vielle, 2d Viola, Violin.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Mus.) A stringed musical instrument formerly in use, of
      the same form as the violin, but larger, and having six
      strings, to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished
      with frets for stopping the strings.
      [1913 Webster]

            Me softer airs befit, and softer strings
            Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful
            things.                               --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate
         instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass
         viol, etc.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.
      [Written also voyal, and voyal.] --Totten.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Voyol \Voy"ol\, n. (Naut.)
   (a) See Viol, 2.
   (b) The block through which a messenger passes. [Written also
       viol, and voyal.]
       [1913 Webster]